CYPCS Tam Baillie Asks Pupils for Their Wishes for a Better World

When Scotland's Commissioner for Children and Young People, Tam Baillie, came to speak to our children at both P1-3 and P4-7 Assemblies on Friday 2nd September 2016 he captivated our pupils with an engaging, child friendly explanation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. We particularly liked his use of the term 'promises to children' and his invitation to everyone to think of what they would change if they had a magic wand.


Here are some of the children's wishes:

Mr Baillie explained that each idea the children then shared is already a 'promise' made to all children across the world, contained in the UNCRC.

The Children and Young People's Commissioner in Scotland's job is to help children understand their rights and to make sure those rights are respected. His goal is to make sure all children and young people in Scotland are as safe and happy as possible.

Tam works towards his goal by:

• listening to children and young people
• asking people in power – like Members of the Scottish Parliament – to think about how new laws might affect children
• helping children learn more about their rights
• speaking out if children and young people are not getting a fair deal.

Tam explained his role as Commissioner and we are delighted that our children had an opportunity to meet such an inspirational leader of positive change in our country who works tirelessly to promote the rights of all children. Tam was extremely generous and gracious with his time and we hope that we can carry on his good work in ensuring all adults and children understand the UNCRC and use it to build a better society.

Article 42

All adults and children should know about the UNCRC.